The expanded menu of dry eye treatments
(posted: april 2003)
The table below represents some of the accumulated experience of many laser surgery patients who have tried many remedies in search of relief for their dry eye condition.
We have tried to group the solutions roughly according to the problems they address. There are probably many inaccuracies, but it will be close enough to give you a reasonable idea.
Finally, we have highlighted in yellow the specific combination of treatments (done simultaneously, not sequentially over time) that seems to have worked the best for the most people that we know. This is not to say it will work for you, but it may be useful as a place to start.
| Problem |
Therapies |
| Not enough wet stuff (aqueous deficiency) |
Supplement 'em (artificial tears)
Trap 'em (punctal occlusion)
Prevent dehydration (drink lots of water and fewer caffeinated beverages)
Exotic therapies (potentially) |
| |
|
| Not enough oily stuff to keep the wet stuff from evaporating (tear film instability - lipid deficiency - meibomian gland dysfunction) |
Get the glandular secretions flowing again: lid therapy; doxycycline; flaxseed oil
Prevent evaporation: protective eyewear; night-time aids; humidifiers
|
| |
|
| Not sloshing around evenly, not sticking to the eye surfaces (mucin deficiency) |
Use artificial tears formulated to improve goblet cell density |
| Any or all of the above |
Identify and treat other conditions: blepharitis, chronic allergic conjunctivitis, meibomian gland dysfunction
Identify and avoid or replace problem medications
Make a friendlier environment for dry eye
Nutritional supplements
Pain management techniques)
|
|
